The evolution of standard S12.60 acoustical performance criteria, design requirements, and guidelines for schools

Abstract

The committee on standards for the Acoustical Society of America was asked by the US Access board and others to develop standards for acceptable acoustics in classrooms. The effort resulted in a standard comprised of several parts. The first document was approved in 2002 and this later became part 1. The initial desire was to have a federal rulemaking and incorporate the standard into coverage for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Part 2 was approved in 2009 and provided guidance for relocatable learning spaces. The intent to have a federal rulemaking was thwarted by political factors so Part 1 was revised in 2010 with the intent to put the document into a format that would allow its incorporation or use in building codes. Part 3 is still being developed, but it is intended for Information Technology Equipment in Classrooms. Part 4 was approved in 2019 and gives guidance for education spaces such as gymnasia and other spaces used for physical education.